The director of a Jacksonville ministry says repeated frustrations over funding and community support could lead to a change in its outreach here.

Kathleen Finkle, director of Helping to Edify the Lord’s People through Service Ministry Outreach — known to most as HELPS Ministry — is moving its offices. Finkle said she plans to devote more of her time to helping youths in juvenile facilities as well as collaborating with a ministry in Peoria, where she believes her efforts can be more successful.

HELPS is a 24-hour ministry that provides free supplies such as food, clothing and diapers for Jacksonville residents in need. Its new location on North Prairie Street is a shelter where children are welcome to play.

As the organization moves locations in Jacksonville, the director says she is considering a shift in focus.

HELPS has been active in Jacksonville for 40 years.

Finkle — who has worked with youths in juvenile facilities for 37 years — said she is planning to turn her focus to helping juveniles in the justice system instead of providing supplies.

She said she feels her organization did not get enough support from the Jacksonville community.

“I’ve not been able to use a lot of the gifts and talents that God has given me here in Jacksonville,” Finkle said. “I’ve been very limited due to the prejudice and the lack of community support and finances.”

The West State Street space HELPS was renting was in poor condition and sold for taxes, according to Finkle.

“The city’s going to get just what it deserves when we leave,” Finkle said. “The city’s going to wish it did right by HELPS Ministry.”

While moving supplies to the new 723 N. Prairie St. location, Finkle said the West State Street location was vandalized and supplies were taken. According to Finkle, a computer was taken, along with diapers, food and clothing, and a bulletin board was defaced.

Jacksonville police classified it as a civil matter when Finkle made a report, she said.